[37] This reply of Alexander has been noticed, by various historians, as an uncommon instance of the precocity of the Royal intellect. Lord Hailes speaks of it as displaying “prudence and resolution superior to his years.” Without detracting from the merits of Alexander, it might with more propriety be considered as merely the well-conned lesson given him by the watchful guardians of the independence of his crown, whom experience had taught to be prepared for the attempt.
[38] The following quotation is from the work of a learned Englishman.
“There is” (inter Poemata, M.S. D. R. Maithland, p. S. Pepys, Armig.) “a manuscript account of Robert the Third’s contest with our Henry the Fourth, upon the subject of Homage; in the conclusion whereof (after the word Finis) is this inscription—The Ring (for Reign) of the Roy Robert, made be Dean David Steill. In this the King of England summons Robert to do fealty at London.
Eftir the richt of Brutus King,
Quhilck had all Ingland in governing, &c.
In return to which, ’tis affirm’d that
Scotland evir yit hes bene free,
Sin Scota of Ægypt tuick the see.
It’s likewise observ’d, that England itself (having been four times conquer’d by the Romans, Saxons, Danes, and Normans) has little ground for such a challenge; and ought to remember how frequently she has miscarry’d in her adventures of that kind. In conclusion, Robert proposes the deciding this controversie by sixty against sixty (of the Royal blood of both kingdoms), forty against forty, or twenty against twenty: Or, if Henry approves it, that the two Kings themselves may end it in a single combat. In which last offer, are these remarkable lines.
“I proffer me to prief on the
At we and Scotland yit are free,
And of the Paip nothing we hauld,
But of the Kirk our Faith of auld.”
See Nicholson’s Scottish Historical Library, p. 154, 155, 8vo. ed. and 43 of 4to.
[39] Hailes, p. 243, 244.